No new Mayo cases as Covid figure jumps by 85 nationally

THERE are no new coronavirus cases in Mayo as figures nationally rose by 85 as of midnight Wednesday.

One patient diagnosed with the virus has died.

Of the most recently notified cases, 68% are under 45 years of age, with 26 cases located in Kildare, 18 in Dublin, 11 in Clare, nine in Laois, seven in Limerick, four in Meath and the remainder spread across seven other counties.

The National Public Health Emergency Team met today (Thursday) to review Ireland’s response and preparedness to Covid-19.

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “Today’s figures demonstrate how quickly Covid-19 can re-emerge in our country.

“We are now at a crucial point in our response to Covid-19. Over the coming days it is vital that everyone continues to avoid large crowds, physically distance, wear face coverings where appropriate and wash hands regularly.

“Covid-19 is extremely infectious and no one is immune. Follow public health advice and stay vigilant.”

Professor Philip Nolan, chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said: “Over a two-day period Ireland moved from a relatively stable epidemiology to a significant pattern connected to outbreaks. We now need to be really careful and adhere to public health advice so we do not further spread the virus. We must remain vigilant to the disease if we are to control it at this point.”